CBSsports.com suggests that the Red Sox were a winner at the Winter Meetings in acquiring Chris Sale, Tyler Thornburg and Mitch Moreland and also thinks the White Sox struck it big in the hauls they got for Sale and OF Adam Eaton.
But CBSsports’ Jonah Keri also says the Yankees came away losers:
The three teams that won the Winter Meetings and two that came away losers — plus a bonus winner, via @jonahkeri https://t.co/UA1fBeJ6xN
— CBS Sports MLB (@CBSSportsMLB) December 9, 2016
Why Keri is Right:
The more I think about this, I wouldn’t call the Yankees “losers” but I would call them misguided. The past six months have been about getting younger and more athletic and gearing up for a long-term run in the near future, with the possibility of acquiring top talent in the 2018 free agent class (Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Josh Donaldson). If that is the case, why go acquire Aroldis Chapman, who could deteriorate and become a roster roadblock before the team is even ready to contend? As Keri suggests, if the Yankees had $86 million to spend, why not go get some starting pitching or more depth in the OF, all of which are more prominent needs?
Why Keri is Wrong:
You got the premiere closer in the game, what is wrong with trying to win now — and build to win later?
All in all, I agree with take one, but I wouldn’t go as far as losers.
